The use of testosterone as a male contraceptive

Citation
Jk. Amory et Wj. Bremner, The use of testosterone as a male contraceptive, BAIL CLIN E, 12(3), 1998, pp. 471-484
Citations number
56
Categorie Soggetti
Endocrynology, Metabolism & Nutrition","Endocrinology, Nutrition & Metabolism
Journal title
BAILLIERES CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
ISSN journal
0950351X → ACNP
Volume
12
Issue
3
Year of publication
1998
Pages
471 - 484
Database
ISI
SICI code
0950-351X(199810)12:3<471:TUOTAA>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
Testosterone functions as a contraceptive by suppressing secretion of the p ituitary gonadotropins luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone . Low levels of these hormones decrease endogenous testosterone secretion f rom the testis and deprive developing sperm of the signals required for nor mal maturation. Interference with sperm maturation causes a decline in sper m production and can lead to reversible infertility in men, raising the pos sibility that testosterone could be utilized in a commercially available co ntraceptive. To this end, testosterone has been studied alone and in combin ation with either gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues or progestins in efforts to improve its contraceptive efficacy. In this chapter, we will re view efforts to use testosterone to create a safe, convenient, efficacious contraceptive method for men.